I'm assuming the problem is with both sides.

We know the battery is okay because it can run all 5 bulbs when using the emergency indicators. You could try swapping the flashers to check that part of the circuit. If they are okay then you know it's the flasher.

If swapping the flasher makes no difference, we know the problem is in the part of the circuit feeding the turn signal switch through the turn signal flasher. Circuits 297 297a, splice in 296 where circuit 8 joins, then 44 from the flasher to the turn signal switch. Any extra resistance along this path will cause your problem. Check the connections at the ignition switch also, along with it's feed, circuit 37 from the starter solenoid.

This should keep you busy for a bit.

 

Wow that was a lot more in depth then expected. I will try to check those out, But my haynes manual disappeared some time ago and I'll have to pick another one up to see what the proper routing and connections should look like before I could tell some of that.

With that being said, I know I need to resolder the connections on my ignition switch, could this be causing the a bad connection or voltage regulation on my electrical system when running off the battery, but working fine when the car is running? Makes sense to me, I'll check all of those things.

 

Replace the flasher(s) with an "electronic" unit. The thermal flashers use bi-metal contacts that work slower when voltage is low. The solid state "electronic" flashers use a chip to control the timing.

 

X's 2

 

I would suspect the flasher as well for the same reason bartl said. The voltage applied to the flasher would be higher with the car running, provided that the charging system is operating correctly. A higher voltage will heat up the thermal contacts faster, which causes a faster flash rate.

I wonder why they care so much about how fast the blinkers flash when the car is off? Is that so people can see you changing lines or turning corners while pushing the car? Who in the world uses their blinkers when the car isn't running?

 

I dont know, I said the same thing, and this the shop I am somewhat friendly with, but it was one of the newer guys / someone ive never seen before who was assigned to it. I also mentioned to him, wth does it matter if they blink slow when the car isn't running?

Anyone have a part # for the flasher(s) or do you mean the bulbs?

 

The voltage is lower with the car not running. Is it normal to be driving and turning corners with the engine not running?

Mine also blink slower...I've always said to myself so what!?


Slim

 

If you're going to buy a manual, don't bother with the Haynes, get the factory manual. Much more comprehensive and readily available from any and all good Mustang parts vendours. It will cover things the Haynes manual never even thought of.

If swapping the flashers doesn't reveal the problem, I don't know how using an electronic one will really fix the problem. Yes, it may improve the flash rate, but the underlying problem will still be present. If the problem turns out to be excessive resistance in the circuits, that could be a symptom of degraded wiring, ignition switch, connectors etc.. Excessive resistance could cause over heated components with resulting electrical fire. Please don't risk it

 

When you say flashers, you mean the bulbs correct, and not somesort of box that controls the flashing.

 

check for grounding while you are at it...

 

Where do they actually ground at? For the front turn signals, two wires go to it, so I assume hot and ground. that followed back plugs into a harnes, which followed back goes to a black box up front in the engine compartment.

 

No, if I mean bulbs, I say bulbs. If I mean flashers, I say flashers; small cylindrical objects that plug into two wires in the main underdash harness. Activate the turn signals, crawl under the dash and follow the clicking sound. Do the same with your four-way, or emergencies. Then swap them one for the other, and re-test.

 

The front park/turn signal lamps have 3 wires going to them. Hot for the park, hot for the turn signal, and ground for both.

Or, are you referring to the indicators in the bonnet?

 

You are absolutely correct, it is three wires. They plug into an adapter with four coming out, and then into a bundle of wires. I remembered it wrong.